JACK WILSHERE has named his top five team-mates ever including three former Arsenal stars.
The midfielder has played alongside some of the world’s best for club and country.
Jack Wilshere named Cesc Fabregas in his top five team-matesCredit: Action Images – Reuters
Wilshere, 28, made 197 appearances for the Gunners so it is no surprise that he included fan favourite Cesc Fabregas as his first choice.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “My first one was easy.
“Before I came into the team, when I went into the dressing room he (Fabregas) was brilliant for me. He was the one who all the academy boys looked at.
“When I went into the dressing room, he was captain and put his arm around me and was brilliant.
“Eventually I got into the team and played next to him. I saw him control games, create 10, 12 clear goalscoring opportunities per game.
“For someone who wasn’t quick or strong, he just played it with his mind. It was unbelievable to watch.”
Wilshere also opted for another Spaniard in midfield magician Santi Cazorla alongside Thomas Rosicky.
He added: “[Cazorla] turned up and was this short, funny guy. He didn’t really care. Ate what he wanted. Did what he wanted.
Midfielders Rosicky and Cazorla also made the cutCredit: Getty – Contributor
Rooney and Steven Gerrard were Wilshere’s picks from EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“When he went on the pitch, it was like a little kid, smiling. We used to take set pieces and the gaffer would say ‘no, no in swinger and he would just take it with his left’. He was special.
“It was tough for [Rosicky] because he kept getting injured but when he came back it was like he hadn’t been anywhere.”
Finally Wilshere, who has earned 34 caps for England, picked two former Three Lions team-mates.
Wayne Rooney remains the country’s record goalscorer with 53 while Steven Gerrard played 114 times for England.
Referring to Rooney, he said: “He had everything.
“I had a Rooney shirt and I got into the England team and he was one of the lads.
“Not many players can go from a No.9 who can run in behind to someone who plays defensive midfield.
“When I played with [Gerrard], he’d dropped off a bit. He wasn’t the box-to-box guy I saw videos of.
“When I played with him he was a No.4. I’ve never seen someone consistently ping the ball without shanking it or making a mess of it.”
Wilshere is looking for a new club after having his contract at West ham mutually terminated.
He has been linked with a shock move to Gerrard’s Rangers but admitted he is being tempted with a switch abroad.
He said: “I’m open to anything really. I think I want to try something different, I’m leaning towards that.
“Maybe LaLiga, Italy, something a little bit different and not many English players have done.
“I was in this position when I left Arsenal. What I learnt from that is take your time and make sure it’s right for you.
“I’m not saying I have regrets going to West Ham because in my head things would have turned out differently but that’s football – but this time I’m going take my time and find something that suits me
“I just want to be happy and be playing football again. Honestly, I can’t tell you the last time, probably when I signed for West Ham, the first three games before I picked up an injury. That was probably the last time I was happy playing football.
“I just want to be happy, going back on the pitch, get a smile on my face, play 20-30 games a season where I’m an important player for a team.”
Jack Wilshere in ‘advanced talks’ with Rangers over shock free transfer for former Arsenal and West Ham star
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
